Moldova is led by a pro-European government and would prefer Russian soldiers to leave. Delegates will talk to the local parliament about political and economic stability, Reuten said. ‘We will see how we can help them function better as a parliament as well. And if they like it too, we’ll talk more about it in the near future.’
EU membership
The talks are part of a wider process to prepare the country for EU membership. ‘This parliament must function like most parliaments in the European Union: transparent, open and with good cooperation between the government and the opposition. It’s not like that yet.’
“This parliament must function like most parliaments in the European Union: transparent, open and with good cooperation between the government and the opposition”
The fact that Moldova borders Ukraine on the one hand and is under strong influence from Russia on the other underlines the need for the talks, Reuten believes. But that does not mean there is a fast track to accession. “We give them access to a number of parts of the domestic market, so that they can now more easily sell their export products, which they previously sent mainly to Russia, to the European market.” The European Commission has already prepared a large aid package for Moldova.
Russian propaganda
“It is important that this fragile country does not fall prey to Russian propaganda and disinformation,” says Reuten. “This is also in our interest.” According to the MEP, members of the opposition organize protests in the country and are paid by Russia. “While most Moldovans truly realize that their future is in the European Union.”
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